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The quality of your health depends upon many pieces that not only include the health of your bodily systems, but also include a healthy diet, exercise, and spirituality.

Diet. Treatment of liver dysfunction may center on developing healthy dietary guidelines, in addition to making some key adjustments in your relationship with food.

In order to maintain a healthy liver, it is essential to reduce your toxic load by eating foods that are known for their detoxifying powers. Below are key dietary recommendations for liver dysfunction:

If you’re a vegetarian, consider supplementation with carnitine (found primarily in meat and dairy products). Carnitine is essential for triglyceride and cholesterol regulation.

There are a number of substances that you should avoid if your liver is not functioning properly. The following are processed in the liver and may cause further stress or damage:

Alcoholic beverages

Raw shellfish. These can contain the hepatitis A virus, which can cause serious liver damage.

Wild mushrooms. These contain toxins that can cause serious damage to the liver.

Iron, a mineral found in meat and fortified cereals, can be toxic to the liver, especially in people who have liver dysfunction or hemochromatosis (excess accumulation of iron in the blood). Also, cooking equipment such as iron skillets should be avoided.

Nitrites found in processed foods such as hot dogs, lunch meats, and bacon

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) found in many foods as a flavor enhancer

Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils found in many processed foods, deep-fried foods, fast foods, and junk food. Read more about trans fats.

Limited caffeine intake. While moderate amounts of caffeine may be beneficial, excessive consumption of caffeine can disrupt the body’s systems.

Exercise. Exercise that really makes you sweat is especially important for liver health, since excess toxins can be released through the skin, relieving the toxic burden on the liver. It’s also useful to sit in a sauna, or take hot baths with Epsom salts to help facilitate the elimination of toxins.

Other Tips for Treating Liver Dysfunction

Heavy Metal Toxicity can produce vague symptoms that sometimes are mistaken for other chronic conditions. Discuss Heavy Metal Toxicity with your healthcare professional before receiving any diagnosis or treatment for a serious chronic condition. Read more about heavy metal toxicity.

Obtain a thorough evaluation of your medications. Some synthetic medications (pharmaceuticals) put undue stress on the liver, and can even cause liver damage as a side effect and risk. Also, avoid taking any medicine (over the counter or prescription) with alcohol. The combination of drugs and alcohol can be liver toxic.